Welcome to a delightful exploration of flavors and textures with this effortless and crowd-pleasing Ramen Salad! This recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a scrumptious lunch at home, showcasing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a memorable dish that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this salad is designed to be straightforward and satisfying. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to make this refreshing and crunchy salad.
Ramen Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Greens, Fruit, Vegetable, Nuts, Kid-Friendly, Potluck, Spring, Summer, St. Patrick’s Day, < 30 Mins, No Cook, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive
Description
A great, easy salad for picnics, potlucks, or just yummy lunches at home. This recipe is incredibly simple and always a favorite at get-togethers. It’s best to double the recipe, especially since coleslaw mix typically comes in 16-ounce bags. This salad gets devoured quickly, making it a reliable go-to for any gathering.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanuts, unsalted
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 packets of uncooked instant ramen noodles, broken into chunks
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 327.2
- Fat: 26.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.9g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
- Sodium: 310.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.9g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 5.1g
- Protein: 4.2g
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
First, gather all your fresh ingredients and ensure they are washed and ready for chopping. Start with the green onion. Using a sharp knife, finely slice the green onion, including the white and green parts. The green onion adds a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
Next, take one celery stalk and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Celery adds a wonderful crunch and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the dressing.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced green onion and chopped celery. Add in 1/2 cup of unsalted peanuts. The peanuts introduce a delightful nuttiness and additional crunch, enhancing the texture of the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
For the dressing, you’ll need a medium-sized bowl. Start by adding 1/2 cup of rice vinegar. Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweet, which complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the vinegar. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness.
In the same bowl, add 1/2 cup of oil (vegetable or canola), 1/3 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. The soy sauce provides a salty umami flavor, while the sesame oil gives a nutty aroma and taste.
Finally, add another 1/3 cup of sugar to the mix. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This dressing is both sweet and tangy, with a depth of flavor that will coat the salad ingredients perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Take 2 packets of uncooked instant ramen noodles and break them into chunks. These noodles add a surprising crunch to the salad, making it unique and enjoyable.
Add the broken noodles to the large mixing bowl with the other salad ingredients. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly coated. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly, making sure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Serve the Salad
Once the salad is well-mixed, it is ready to be served immediately. The flavors are best enjoyed fresh, with the crispness of the vegetables and the crunch of the noodles intact.
Tips for Success
- Doubling the Recipe: If you find that your coleslaw mix comes in a 16-ounce bag, consider doubling the recipe. This not only uses the entire bag but also ensures you have plenty of salad for larger gatherings.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as shredded carrots, red cabbage, or even mandarin oranges for a fruity twist.
- Storage: If you need to prepare the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Ramen Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious and versatile. It brings together a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that are sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family lunch, a picnic in the park, or a potluck with friends, this salad is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of creating this dish, and relish the delightful compliments that follow!
Happy cooking and bon appétit! 🥗🍜🌿
